SACRAMENTO – Calling it “the leading economic and humanitarian issue facing our state,” Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) today urged Congressional leaders to complete their work and pass “just and pragmatic” immigration reform legislation.

 “California needs comprehensive reform that will benefit security, economic stability and justice in both California and the United States by surfacing our underground population, channeling undocumented individuals into legal migration, and providing smart enforcement that protects both legal and undocumented populations,” said Speaker Núñez. “It is my hope that Congressional leaders will reject the negative content of current immigration proposals and enact a less ideological and more pragmatic set of programs.”

 Speaker Núñez said comprehensive immigration reform policy must include: 

• A legalization program that gives permanent residence to the vast majority of undocumented persons (excepting those with criminal records) that learn English and American civics;
• An increase in permanent resident visas for persons from nations that have a history of significant migration to the U.S., including priorities for family re-unification; and
• A smart security program that balances use of technologies and intelligence services, focusing on the abuses of immigrants, including human smuggling, slave labor rings, and chronically exploitative employers/contractors.

 Speaker Núñez noted that proposed bills contain unacceptable provisions that: 

• Exclude the vast majority of undocumented persons from eventually attaining legal status;
• Authorize unprecedented expansions of bracero-type guestworker programs that fundamentally violate workers rights; and
• Mandate heavy-handed security provisions that violate constitutional and human rights of citizens and non-citizens alike, as well as damage U.S. relations with Mexico.

 He urged Congressional leaders and the California Congressional delegation to oppose any legislation that divides immigrants into eligibility tiers; obligates return to home countries to apply; requires intolerably long “probationary” periods; imposes legalization-security triggers; separates families; and charges exorbitant fees and penalties.

 Speaker Núñez said Californians are well aware of the contribution that immigrants made to our society and economy once they had their status adjusted by President Reagan’s legalization program enacted in 1986 (contained in the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986). In the 1990’s newly-legalized immigrants revitalized many of California’s urban centers and small towns, formed thousands of small businesses, reduced crime, and paid their fair share of taxes. They became citizens, registered, and voted and have made valuable public policy contributions.

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